Why Downton Abbey’s Matthew Goode Is Not in Final Movie

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This story contains spoilers for the ending ofDownton Abbey: The Grand Finale.

Matthew Goode has officially left the estate.

In season five, the actor took on the role of Henry Talbot in Downton Abbey and later married Mary Crawley, portrayed by Michelle Dockery. He made a brief return to this role in the 2019 film, Downton Abbey, but was absent from its sequel, Downton Abbey: A New Era in 2022. Now, it has been confirmed that his character has been removed from the upcoming series finale, Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale.

As creator Julian Fellowes explained, it was actually Matthew’s choice not to return. 

“After completing the series, Matthew likely felt he had fulfilled his responsibilities, according to an interview with TVLine on September 12. While Matthew is a talented actor, it’s unfortunate that he chose not to continue with the project. Although I can’t say I was thrilled about it, in this line of work, one must make the best out of available opportunities. That’s part and parcel of the job.”

In the finale, Julian found a creative way to explain Matthew’s absence by having his character, Henry, reveal that he had been unfaithful to Mary. Julian pointed out that this situation “placed her in quite an intriguing predicament.

Julian put it this way: “Throughout her life, Mary was consistently successful, but now it seems like she’s experiencing the opposite, making her appear as if she’s not doing so well. I think it’s beneficial for us and for Michelle.”

In simpler terms, he said, “Mary used to win a lot, but now she’s losing, and I believe this is helpful for us and Michelle.

In addition, it facilitated a captivating conclusion for the eldest daughter Mary, who, as a spoiler, ascended to the formal position of managing the Crawley estate.

At the conclusion of the conflict, there was a noticeable shift in every aspect, as Julian remarked. If one possessed sufficient resilience and fortitude, they would persevere. Mary will undoubtedly find a way to endure. Whether she chooses to remarry is another matter entirely.

Regarding Matthew, at 47 years old, there was a time when some found it intriguing as he seemed to express disapproval towards the series and his portrayed role.

In an interview with Radio Times Magazine in May, I playfully remarked that he was inching towards being somewhat lacking in resilience or assertiveness, almost resembling a limp lettuce. However, I added with a smile, perhaps this isn’t such a bad thing after all.

Later on, the person from Crown made it clear that the interpretation of his words as offensive was not his intention.

He expressed to Metro UK in May that perhaps it would be more intriguing if [Lady Mary] weren’t dependent on a man. This could mean she might find herself alone instead.

Keep reading for more surprising secrets about Downton Abbey.

The concept for the period drama was inspired by creator Julian Fellowes’ personal background, as his mother, who wasn’t a debutante, didn’t fit in with his great aunts due to marrying a diplomat father. He shared this family story with Closer, explaining that they initially disapproved because they thought she had “caught” him, but later accepted her after she gave birth to four healthy sons, fulfilling their dynastic obligations.

2. Oh, did we mention Fellowes is actually a Baron and a member of the House of Lords? 

According to Jill Trevellick, the casting director, we were fortunate enough to secure our top picks for every role in the project. Maggie Smith, Hugh Bonneville, Michelle Dockery, and Dan Stevens were all strong contenders for their respective characters, as confirmed by Backstage.

In a challenging turn of events, finding the ideal actor to portray valet John Bates proved to be quite a challenge. After thoroughly considering over sixty candidates, it was Brendan Coyle who eventually secured the role. The studio had some reservations about him, as he didn’t initially seem like the perfect fit for a very specific reason.

Trevellick mentioned that they considered Brendan for the role right from the start. In fact, Julian wrote the part with Brendan specifically in mind because he was impressed by Brendan’s performance in “North and South” and felt he was perfect for it. We approached Brendan early on, but there were concerns at the broadcasting end about potential scheduling conflicts since he had previously worked in a period genre piece that might air on a competing channel around the same time…In the end, we persisted and eventually convinced them.

Six weeks later, they were able to offer Coyle the part.

5. The initial shocking scene for Downton Abbey was when Matthew Crawley, its charming main character, met his demise in the season three finale. Speaking to Entertainment Weekly about his departure from the series after completing a three-year contract, Stevens explained that there were many disappointed individuals requesting explanations and apologies.

He shared that he was prepared to bid farewell from Downton Abbey because he wanted to explore new challenges and sources of entertainment for himself in his current circumstances.

In a conversation with TopMob News, Fellowes clarified that Steven’s decision not to return (for any appearances in season four) ultimately resulted in the unexpected death of his character.

In America, where contracts often run long, it appeared as if the production team had abruptly decided things without consulting him. However, upon closer inspection, it turned out that he had simply completed his three-year contract and desired to explore new opportunities. We had to adapt accordingly. Some of the correspondence I received was downright chilling!

Despite Matthew’s tragic demise, the audience’s interest didn’t wane. In fact, the fourth season premiere set new record highs in viewership, drawing in an impressive 10.2 million viewers.

8. According to Stevens, if he had informed Fellowes earlier about his plan to depart the series, he would have altered Lady Sybil’s departure scene: “I likely would have written their deaths as a car accident instead.

9. Highclere Castle served as the setting for “Downton Abbey,” and since it’s a 17th-century estate, it has become one of the most visited tourist spots in the U.K. Fascinatingly, this tranquil retreat could be booked on Airbnb, as two enthusiastic fans spent a night within its lavish 100,000 square-foot walls prior to the movie’s release in September 2019.

The tenants might have encountered a ghost, as the historical advisor for the show confirmed a widely-spread supernatural tale in an interview with Travel + Leisure.

Alastair Bruce shared that Jean Margaret Herbert, Countess of Carnarvon, looked very pale when he informed her about the opening sequence of the show. He added, “In this scene, Daisy stirs up everyone to clean before Lord Grantham descends. Mrs. Hughes is moving around and the camera zooms in on a chain around her waist with keys, which made Jean-who is the Dowager Countess of Carnarvon-look startled because there’s a ghost in the house who used to be a housekeeper. You can tell she’s there because you can hear the jingling of the keys at the end of her chain.

11. Despite the fact that the role of Lady Edith Crawley turned out to be her breakthrough character, Laura Carmichael nearly missed out on her audition for the show.

As I found myself immersed in a theatrical rendition of William Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night,” I confided to Tribune News Service that I initially perceived it as a brief, ceremonial role with minimal demands. I had anticipated a quick yes, my lord, followed by a half-day’s filming and perhaps a single line. Yet, the allure of television work beckoned, offering an impressive addition to my resume. Initially, I was faced with the challenging decision of letting go of this enticing Shakespearean opportunity for a TV gig, fearing it would turn out to be a calamity.

In the year 2012, it was Gillian Anderson who initially declined the role of Cora Crawley. Eventually, Elizabeth McGovern took on the part of the American heiress turned Countess of Grantham in Downton Abbey.

13. According to Vanity Fair, Queen Elizabeth II found enjoyment in verifying facts on the show as a pastime. As stated by author Brian Hoey to People, “She enjoys pointing out errors.” It’s also been reported that Prince William is among its viewers, as shared by star Allan Leech.

During a conversation on “Watch What Happens Live” in 2013, Leech mentioned that he once met someone and the person said, “I’m a big fan of the show, only now that my wife just gave birth,” after we shook hands. It seemed as though the person had plenty of free time, which made me think his wife, perhaps referring to Kate Middleton, was making him watch this show. His response implied he would be watching it with her.

14. Smith, who played Dowager Countess Violet Crawley, admitted to never watching the series.

She explained to The Telegraph that she prefers to assess her own work after everything is finished, possibly, due to its frustrating nature. She often finds herself reflecting on what she could have done better and questioning why she made certain decisions.

15. (As a dedicated follower) In the period dramas I’m involved with, the female characters often have to wear corsets beneath their costumes, causing “genuine issues,” as shared by our chief costume designer, Susannah Buxton.

She shared with The Mirror that it was a difficult situation for them. They felt extremely uncomfortable, requiring time to get accustomed, as the girls weren’t familiar with wearing them. Even eating became challenging because the costumes were too restrictive for the cast members.

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2025-09-13 01:18